GRCC In the News, 4-28-17

News 8 Daybreak

April 28, 2017; WOOD TV

It’s graduation season around West Michigan. Grand Rapids Community College is one of several schools holding commencement ceremonies over the next few days.

Case Study: Spectrum Healths Community-based Chronic-Disease Management Program

April 20, 2017; Hospitals & Health Networks (American Hospital Association publication)

Since 1997, Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Mich., has provided community-based care through its Healthier Communities initiative. Developed through the merger of two previous programs, Core Health was added in 2008 to provide in-home education on general wellness, including weight and stress control, for patients with early-stage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

… Once selected, CHWs undergo rigorous training in a certification program developed jointly by Spectrum Health’s Healthier Communities and the Grand Rapids Community College to provide the Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance standardized curriculum. Upon completion, the student will receive a certificate from GRCC. To become certified for the Core Health program, CHWs are tested in eight competencies, including advocacy and outreach; community and personal strategies; legal and ethical responsibilities; teaching and capacity building; communication skills and cultural competencies; coordination, documentation and reporting; healthy lifestyles; and mental health. The eight-week onboard training includes classroom work, scenario precepting, job shadowing and peer mentoring, after which CHWs understand the nature of diabetes, heart failure and COPD, as well as the resources to manage them.

Thomas Gilbert (Ottawa Hills) signs with GRCC

April 26, 2017; beercityhoops.com

Thomas Gilbert, a 6-foot-6 forward from Ottawa Hills High School, has signed to play basketball at Grand Rapids Community College next season.

Volunteer of the Year: Denise Joseph

April 25, 2017; Literacy Center of West Michigan

Spend an hour listening to Denise Joseph tell stories of teaching and volunteering and you’ll know right away why the Literacy Center is honoring her with the Marshall Pitler Volunteer of the Year Award at this years Spellebration event.

… Never one to slow down, Denise also sings with the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus, takes Spanish classes at Grand Rapids Community College, and serves in leadership at Fountain Street Church. In addition, she serves as the adopted Grandmother of a family of Eritrean refugees who settled in Grand Rapids.

Summer wellness classes start next week

Group exercise classes will begin May 1st, so grab a friend and come sweat! No need to sign up, just join us for the fun! You are welcome to bring your spouse, a child over 18, or friend(s) to these classes. Non-GRCC employees participating are asked to pay a small $20 fee per semester to participate in these classes. All are welcome!

Click here to view our current offerings.

Summer construction season is starting

Beginning on Monday, May 1, contractors will be on site to begin a variety of summer projects:

• Concrete repair work will occur in specific areas on the Commons on Monday and Tuesday.  There will be some noise as they demolish the failing concrete.  They will them pour replacement, which will be roped off for several days. Pedestrian traffic will not be impacted.  However, vehicular delivery services will not be able to travel the Commons next week.
• Phase 2 of the Bostwick ramp repair work will also begin.  This will include work on lower levels throughout the ramp.  If you park in that ramp, please note that areas of the ramp will be closed to allow for this work.

Music Department is on the move!

• They’re going home!  We will be moving the Music Department offices from the Data Center back to the Music Building on Monday, May 1.  Throughout the week, we’ll be moving equipment and instruments from various campus buildings back to the Music building.  The professional piano movers will be on site on Wednesday and Thursday, May 3 and 4.

Other summer moves:

• Due to Bostwick ramp work, the DSS Testing center will be moving on May 3 to the Science Building for the summer.
• Counseling and Advising services will be moving to the Data Center.  Watch for more information next week!

Retiree Biography: Deb Nordman

Deb Nordman has worked at GRCC since 1995, first as a clinical instructor at Saint Mary’s Health Services, then an adjunct for both the Radiology and Psychology departments and then full-time faculty serving as the program director of the Rad Tech Program. Deb said that her students have been her favorite part of the job; she has learned so much from them. Her program is unique in that she works with cohorts for two years, allowing her to get to know the students better. Many of her students keep in touch with her after they’ve completed their program. Deb shared one particular story about a student:

“Many years ago, I had a student that was experiencing housing issues in the final semester of classes for the program. For a brief time, she lived in her car with her young son (I was not aware of this at the time). The student had an excellent attendance record and always participated in class. However, her housing issues caused her to miss some time and the corresponding assignments/tests. This brought her grade down and she would not have passed the semester. I agreed to an independent study to get her up to date and complete her assignments. She was able to complete every requirement and eventually received a passing grade. She graduated and passed her registry exam. Several years later, I happened to see this student at Target. She came up to me and thanked me. She then told me how she had lived in her car for a brief time and how desperate she was to get out of that situation. Since her graduation, she had found a full-time position in radiology and was now married. She introduced me to her husband and told me they had just purchased a house. I often think about this student and how you never really know the whole story behind a student’s struggles. She was an inspiration to me and I am so thankful that I could be a part of her success.”

In retirement, Deb is looking forward to relaxing at her cottage with family and friends and also traveling. She’s hoping to visit Italy and Greece. Deb would like to take a photography class and painting class, and plans on reconnecting with old friends.

Deb, on behalf of your GRCC community, we all wish you the very best in retirement. Thank you so much for your service to GRCC and our students.